Base Camp Operations

Base Camp Operations

Base camp has a lot to do. Make it easy on them. Anything you can do to stay our of their hair, and allow them to concentrate on find the victim should be done. Noise, barking dogs, and commotion, all distract from the people's attention who are running the search.
When arriving in Base Camp (or CP) area, notify OPS leader by radio. Avoid going into CP area. Check-in by radio, or wait in outskirt area of CP. Too many people in base camp is a major distraction. OPS leaders who aren't OPS'ing that search, stay out. Wait for assignments by your vehicles. OPS leader will not forget you.
MONITOR RADIO WHILE RESPONDING TO SEARCH!!!! Other dogs may be traveling and see you, caravan when you can. Listen to search prior to your arrival. Know what's going on. Buy a scanner....
Bring a book, magazine, newspaper. There will be down time. Get out your compass and maps, practice triangulation. Brush your pooch, clean out your car, etc.
Immediately upon arrival after checking in, get your stuff together in preparation for deployment.
Have your pack 90% ready to go at all times. Last 10% of stuff specific to search area to be put in upon arrival. Don't tie up foot teams waiting for you. As Search and Rescue teams are regionalized, chances are that the dogs are the last people to arrive. Be ready to deploy.
Don't wear uniform in the car, to and from search. "Cover Down" You going to get shot at. You will get you agency hosed if you get into an accident. Un-cover before entering base camp.
Never reprimand your dog in public.
Never get into a dispute with another handler or anyone in public.
OPS leaders: Praise in public, chastise in private
Never challenge an OPS leader's decision or assignment in public.
Wait until after the search is over, or speak quietly away from others to discuss
Have food with you, stop for coffee before arriving.
Don't arrive and then get food holding up other troops
Don't smoke in base camp or near other search personnel. Go away or near your car.
Maintain professional demeanor at all times. Appearance, voice, radio, everything. You represent the department.
Start keeping mental or written track on similarities on searches.
All situations repeat themselves. You will be an OPS leader someday.
If you are first to arrive, and OPS leader is close to arrive, wait by your car.
Let OPS go in and get briefed.
Don't make base camp brief twice for dog people.
If OPS leader is not close, let highest rank go in first to get briefed.
    Only 1 person.
If you want to learn OPS procedures, come to a search as a OPS helper and not work your dog. Don't try to do both. If a call comes out for a Trailing dog, and you are an area handler, ask to come as OPS helper.
Don't let your dog take a dump near base camp. Even if you clean it up it will smell. No one will forget it from that search on until we're all dead.
Be ready for unpopular decisions. OPS leaders and search commanders cannot keep everyone happy. Be ready for unpleasant assignments (snow, mucky water, long hike in/hike out, etc.) Don't bitch about assignments.
If you have a temporary medical or physical condition that will prevent you from taking certain assignments (diarrhea, menstrual cramps, etc), let OPS leader know when checking in, not after you have been assigned a deployment.
If you have a time restriction and have to leave by a certain time, let the OPS leader know when you get there, not when you have been flown in and hiked 5 miles further.
People will remember you. Make it for something good, not bad. Make friends out of other searchers. Bring an ice chest with cold drinks, food, or candy. They will remember, guaranteed.
If you are armed, don't tell anyone. You are not supposed to be. Unless your life, your dog's life, or a fellow searcher's life is at immediate risk, keep your weapon a secret.
Never bring a weapon on prison grounds either in your car or on your person. Leave at home.
Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you're a fool, than open your mouth and prove it.

Click on the logo for more SAR educational materials